INTERPOL Granted International Immunity

WASHINGTON (CN) – The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as INTERPOL, will be granted immunity from search and seizure of its property or assets by the U.S. law enforcement system, under an Executive Order issued by President Obama.

The president’s order amends Executive Order 12425 signed by then president Ronald Reagan and grants INTERPOL all the privileges and immunities granted to international organizations under the International Organizations Immunity Act, including exemptions for property tax, personal income tax and import duties on property owned by the organization or its employees. While the Act gives international organizations the same immunities and protections as foreign governments, immunity for individuals only extends to those actions taken in their official capacity as employees of the organization.